Your car is most likely the most or 2nd most expensive item you'll ever purchase. Make sure the car you buy retains its value. ALG, the Automotive Lease Guide, gives out their ranking for their guide to the best car in each class in retaining its values after 36 months.
Subcompact
Honda Fit MSRP: $16,315
The Honda Fit helped revitalize the entire Subcompact segment when it came out in 2007. Used values are consistently at the highest for in its class that includes the Toyota Scion and Nissan Versa.
Compact
Mazda3 MSRP: $17,740
The Mazda3 ride and handling is the best in its segment beating out the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. It also has some of the best fuel economy at a reasonable price.
Midsize
Suburu Legacy MSRP: $22,490
The Legacy beat out the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata with its quiet cabin. And as always, All-Wheel drive is still a standard feature.
Full Size
Dodge Charger MSRP: $27,990
Beating out the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Azera, the Dodge Charger with its unique appeal of a conventional sedan with attitude.
Mid Range Sports Car
Suburu WRX MSRP: $27090
The WRX is based on the significantly improved Subru Imprezza. The WRX beat out the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet SS.
Hybrid/Electric
Toyota Prius MSRP: $27,575
The Toyota Prius is the reigning king of value retention in this category. It beats the Lexus CT with its lower costs and proven track record.
Minivan
Honda Odyssey MSRP: $29,805
The Honda Odyssey has a reputation of quality, value, and great resale retention. Other good minivans were the Kia Sedona and the Toyota Sienna.
Fullsize Cargo Van
Mercedez-Benz Sprinter MSRP: $36,990
The Mercedez-Benz Sprinter revolutionized vans by combining efficient use of space with fuel efficiency. Other good choices include the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit.
Compact SUV
Honda CR-V MSRP: $24,150
The Honda CR-V has a proven formula that works well with resellers, putting it above the Toyota RAV4 and the Suburu Forester.
Midsize SUV
Toyota Highlander MSRP: $30,300
A recent upgrade in 2014 made the Toyota Highlander bigger, more powerful, and more stylish. Toyota decision to limit the number makes its resale value higher than the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Explorer.
Fullsize SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe MSRP: $46,745
The Chevy Tahoe is the sales leader in this category and is considered the go-to vehicle for families. Other good SUVs include the Toyota Sequoia and GMC Yukon.
Off Road SUV
Toyota 4Runner MSRP: $33,895
The 4 runner combines luxurious comfort with off-road ability, beating out the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee.
Midsize Pickup
Toyota Tacoma MSRP: $21,659
The Toyota Tacoma's reputation for high quality keeps resale value high and owners incredibly loyal. Runner ups include the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado.
Full Size Pickup
Toyota Tundra MSRP: $29,510
Toyota has consciously kept the Toyota Tundra's resale value high by focusing on transaction prices over overall sales which makes it a better choice than runner ups Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-150.
Luxury Compact
MINI Hardtop MSRP: $21,300
The Mini has done a great job of retaining its value. In 2015 the Mini was redesigned moving it ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Clas and Audi A3.
Luxury Midsize Car
Lexus IS MSRP: $37,474
The Lexus has been moving towards more aggressive styling with a focus on matching its German rivals in ride and handling. The IS beats out the Volvo V60 and Acura TLX.
Luxury Full Size Car
Hyundai Genesis MSRP: $38,950
Hyundai has gradually been moving into the Luxury high end market, and the Genesis is the statement that it has finally arrived. Despite the Genesis's growing popularity it is still $10,000 less than its rivals, the Volvo XC70 and Lexus GS.
Luxury Sports Car
Audi TT MSRP: $41,245
The Audi TT has been able to maintain its resale value by keeping classic styling and holding the line on prices. Other good candidates include the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.
Luxury Midsize SUV
Land Rover Range Rover Sport MSRP: $64,275
The Range Rover has a great combination of comfort, capability, and the Range Rover brand. This gives ita better resale value to the Mercez-Benz M-Class and Lexus RX.
Luxury Fullsize SUV
Toyota Land Cruiser MSRP: $80,830
The Toyota Land Cruiser is the clear leader in this category, beating out the Lexus LX570 and the Land Rover Range Rover.